Latest news with #HaltAllLethalTraffickingofFentanylAct
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Star
A look at White House claims about Canada's fentanyl fight ‘failure'
U.S. President Donald Trump is seen leaving after signing the 'Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act,' during a ceremony in the White House on July 16, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci / THE CANADIAN PRESS flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: Fact Check : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Trump says Beijing is making ‘big steps' in controlling fentanyl
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Beijing is 'making big steps' in efforts to control the flow of fentanyl, an issue that the American leader has used to justify tariffs that he has slapped on imports from China. 'I think China has been helping out,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 'I mean, it's been a terrible situation for many years with fentanyl, but since I came here, we're talking to them, and they're making big steps ... You know that they're being penalised with tariffs because of the fentanyl but they want to do something.' Trump's positive assessment differs sharply the strident tone that he used when announcing in February that the US would not only impose his originally outlined 10 per cent tariffs on all Chinese imports beginning on Tuesday, but that these were now being doubled for an effective rate of 20 per cent. The comment also comes amid high-level negotiations between his team and Chinese counterparts to broker a climbdown on overlapping tariffs and other trade restrictions that the two sides have directed at each other. 'A large percentage of these Drugs, much of them in the form of Fentanyl, are made in, and supplied by, China,' Trump declared on his Truth Social account in February. 'Until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as scheduled.' Trump made the comments ahead of his official signing of a bill – Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act – that permanently places fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act into law. A schedule I controlled substance refers to 'a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act'. Those penalties include a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term. That move came weeks before the president announced additional levies – so-called reciprocal tariffs – of 125 per cent on imports from the country, which US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other members of Trump's economic team are in talks with their Chinese counterparts to avert before a temporary pause on them expires on August 12. Trump's declaration in February also involved tariffs of 25 per cent on all imports from Mexico and Canada, which he said were not doing enough to stop trafficking across their borders with the US. 'China delivers much of the fentanyl; some people would say all of it,' Trump said later on Wednesday, when his signed the HALT Act. 'They deliver it into Mexico and even into our own country. We have a 20 per cent [tariff], so they pay billions of dollars and billions of dollars in damages for what they've done, and I think we're going to work it out so that China is going to end up going from that to giving the death penalty to the people that create this.' Fentanyl-related deaths in the US rose steadily for years, from an estimated 29,725 in 2018 to a high of 76,282 in 2023. Until the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention did not publish exact figures for fentanyl alone, instead tracking death rates involving 'synthetic opioids other than methadone'. But the sharp upwards trend has begun to ease. According to estimates by the agency, overdose deaths linked to fentanyl dropped to 48,422 in 2024. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
Newsweek
19-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Approval Rating Plunges with America's Richest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump is experiencing a sharp decline in support among high-income Americans, according to new polling. New polling from The Economist/YouGov shows a drop in the president's approval among those earning over $100,000 — a shift that appears tied to economic unease and growing dissatisfaction with his policy agenda. Why It Matters Wealthier voters have long been a core part of the Republican base, drawn to the party's promises of tax cuts and deregulation. But economic anxiety from Trump's sweeping tariff expansion and accelerating inflation— appears to be contributing to the decline in support among wealthier voters. Economic Anxiety is Undercutting Trump's Base In May, Trump's approval among six-figure earners was nearly evenly split, with 47 percent approving and 49 percent disapproving. By June, that margin had widened to -5 net approval. The latest July data shows the gap has grown even further: just 44 percent approve of Trump's performance, while 54 percent disapprove — a net -10 rating. The erosion in support comes as voters face higher costs and market volatility stemming from Trump's tariff expansions. High profile billionaires spoke out against Trump's tariffs when they were first announced in April. Hedge fund managers such as Bill Ackman and Dan Loeb vocally criticized the tariffs, while Republican billionaires like Ken Langone, the founder of Home Depot, and Ken Griffin, the found of Citadel, spoke out and called them a "huge policy mistake". Prices remained relatively stable in the spring as many of Trump's tariffs were paused, but inflation started increasing in may and has accelerated in June. Annual inflation rose 2.7 percent in June, up from 2.4 percent in May, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Americans now face an average tariff rate of 18.7 percent, the highest since 1933, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Approval of his handling of Trump's handling of the economy has declined, with net approval on jobs and the economy falling from -3 in May to -9 in July among those earning over $100,000. Approval of Trump's handling of inflation has also slipped, from 43 percent in May to 41 percent in July — while disapproval has risen to 58 percent. That reflects growing frustration, even as perceptions of the broader economy remain relatively flat: 43 percent now say the economy is getting worse, compared to 45 percent in May. Personal financial sentiment remains muted. Only 25 percent of wealthier voters say their finances have improved since May — a modest rise from 21 percent — while nearly half (47 percent) report no change, and 26 percent say they're worse off. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP Trump's approval has also continued to fall among the richest despite the signing of his "Big Beautiful Bill", which comes with sweeping tax cuts for many of America's highest earners. 70 percent of the value of the tax cuts will be given to the top 20 percent of earners, according to analysis by non-partisan think tank the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Despite this, the bill is underwater with upper-income voters: 41 percent approve, while 53 percent disapprove. Epstein Backlash Impacts High-Income Voters as Well Optimism about the country's direction continues to fade. In July, only 41 percent of wealthy voters said the U.S. is on the right track — down from 44 percent in May — while 48 percent say it's headed in the wrong direction. Other actions by the Trump administration also seem to be eroding his standing with high-income voters. 66 percent of high-income voters believe the government has not disclosed all evidence in the Epstein case, though it is unclear how this sentiment affects views on Trump specifically. It comes as polls have shown Trump's approval ratings at an all time low following the fallout from the Epstein case. That includes Newsweek's tracker, which shows Trump's approval rating at an all time low, with 43 percent approving and 54 percent disapproving. The Wall Street Journal, reported this week that Trump sent Epstein a birthday card in 2003 with a drawing of a naked woman with the words "we have certain things in common" and wishing him "may every day be another wonderful secret." Trump denied writing the note and claimed the story was "false, malicious and defamatory." Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice put out a memo last week confirming earlier findings that Epstein was not murdered and died by suicide in 2019 in his Manhattan jail cell. It also said the government was not in possession of a client list. Last week's memo threw a wrench into years of conspiracy theories spread by Trump's MAGA base—and amplified by some administration officials—alleging that Epstein was murdered and that his death was covered up by the government. The uproar from MAGA infuriated the president, who called his supporters "weaklings" who got "duped" by the Epstein "hoax," which he falsely claimed was started by Democrats. He later softened his tone and said he would be in favor of the DOJ releasing "credible" evidence related to Epstein but urged his base to move on from the controversy.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Donald Trump Scores Approval Rating Boost With College-Educated Voters
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's approval rating has increased with college-educated voters in America. According to a July Quantus Insights survey, the proportion of college-educated voters who approve of the president's job performance has increased since June. Why It Matters Traditionally, college-educated Americans are more likely to vote Democratic than Republican, though there have been signs of partisan realignment. If this group approves of Trump it is a good sign for the Republican Party and could signal it will have a strong performance in the November 2026 midterms. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci What To Know According to the Quantus survey of 1,000 registered voters, 47 percent of college-educated voters approve of Trump's job performance while 50 percent disapproved of his performance. The survey was conducted between July 14 and 16 and has a margin of error of +/- 3 percent. That is up from 42 percent in June, according to a Quantus poll with a comparable margin of error. At the start of Trump's second term, he was well-positioned with college-educated voters as in January, 52 percent said they approved of the president, still according to Quantus. This would decrease in the following months to reach a low of 41 percent in April. That poll was conducted between April 7 and 9, after Trump announced his "Liberation Day" tariffs, which put markets into a tailspin. The July poll also showed a gender split among voters in general. 53 percent of men said they approved of Trump's job performance, 10 percentage points more than the 43 percent of female voters who expressed the same view. The demographic that reported the highest approval rating for Trump was, unsurprisingly, Republicans. Some 90 percent of Republicans said they approved of him, compared to 11 percent of Democrats. Meanwhile, data from the Newsweek/College Pulse polling indicated found that, in June, 25 percent of current undergraduate students "somewhat" or "strongly" approved of Trump, up from 19 percent in April—a 6-point boost. Trump has recently scored approval rating wins with other key demographics. A CNN/SSRS survey revealed Trump's popularity in July has increased by 23 points since April with voters aged 50 to 64. He is also gaining more traction with Hispanic voters, a crucial demographic that has traditionally supported Democratic candidates, a poll has shown. Meanwhile, the latest CNN/SSRS poll showed Trump's overall approval rating at net -16. What People Are Saying Quantus Insights said of the July polling results: "These are not confused voters. They are deeply divided—yes—but remarkably consistent in their views. They are skeptical of secrecy, cautious in their partisanship, but responsive to perceived competence and performance. The Trump administration's standing has improved among college-educated and retirement-secure voters. But scandals like Epstein remain radioactive. "If there's one lesson from this survey, it's that Americans know what they see. And in 2025, they are watching closely."
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Vein Disorder, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Explained
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The White House announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The announcement followed growing public speculation over visible swelling in the president's legs and bruises on his hands. Why It Matters Trump, who is 79 years old and is the oldest person to serve a second term, has faced intensifying scrutiny over his age and cognitive fitness. While his physician recently declared him "fully fit" after a comprehensive physical that included a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, public concern about his health has persisted. Trump frequently criticized former President Joe Biden over concerns about his health during last year's presidential election, with Biden eventually dropping out of the race. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House on July 16 in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House on July 16 in Washington, D.C. Evan Vucci/AP What To Know The White House released a memo from the president's physician, Sean Barbabella, on Thursday which revealed the president was diagnosed with CVI after he noticed swelling in his legs. "The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," the memo said. At a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that the president's medical team found "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease." She also said Trump was not experiencing any discomfort related to the condition. President Donald Trump, left, reaches to shake hands with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa speak upon his arrival at the White House on July 16. President Donald Trump, left, reaches to shake hands with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa speak upon his arrival at the White House on July 16. Alex Brandon/AP It comes after Trump was spotted with heavily swollen ankles at a number of public events in recent months. A photo taken during Trump's White House meeting with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Wednesday, showed the president's left ankle which appeared to be swollen and bulging out of his shoe. Photos from the same event also showed Trump's hand with what appeared to be makeup covering up a bruise or blemish. Leavitt said the bruise on his hand was "consistent" with irritation from "frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin." She added that "the president remains in excellent health." The left foot and swollen ankle of President Donald Trump are pictured as he sits with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16,... The left foot and swollen ankle of President Donald Trump are pictured as he sits with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. More Alex Brandon/AP What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency? CVI is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood back to the heart. This occurs when the one-way valves inside the leg veins—responsible for keeping blood flowing upward—become damaged or weakened. As a result, blood can pool in the lower extremities, leading to swelling, discomfort, and a range of other symptoms. The condition is most often caused by factors such as aging, obesity, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, a history of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis), or the presence of varicose veins. Over time, the increased pressure from trapped blood can lead to visible changes in the skin and even open sores, particularly around the ankles. Symptoms of CVI include leg swelling, aching or cramping, heaviness, visible varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in more advanced cases, ulcers around the ankles. These symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and improve with leg elevation. Is CVI Life Threatening? While CVI is generally not life-threatening, it can significantly affect quality of life if left untreated. It may also increase the risk of complications like cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) or DVT. CVI is a manageable condition, particularly when diagnosed early. However, in older adults or those with other underlying health issues, it may point to broader concerns about circulatory health. The condition is not reversible. How Is CVI Treated? Treatment for CVI depends on severity but often starts with lifestyle changes like regular exercise, leg elevation, and wearing compression stockings. In more persistent or severe cases, medical interventions such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or vein surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms. How Common Is CVI? CVI is very common, especially among older adults. In the United States, it's estimated to affect more than 25 million adults, with roughly 6 million experiencing advanced stages of the condition. Prevalence studies in the general population show that 1–17 percent of men and 1–40 percent of women are affected to varying degrees. The likelihood of developing CVI increases with age—affecting up to 40 percent of women and 17 percent of men, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In clinical settings, incidence rates suggest around 150,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S., with total health care costs nearing $500 million per year, the NIH reported.
